The land of the long cloud is finally accepting international visitors again. The New Zealand Government today (March 16) announced that the country's borders will reopen on May 1, 11.59pm, to visa-waiver countries including Singapore to travel to New Zealand without having to self-isolate on arrival.
That’s exactly right – there’s no longer a need for quarantine nor self-isolation. This is a huge shift from 'fortress New Zealand' and their stringent travel restrictions, where all international travellers had to serve two weeks of quarantine in managed isolation facilities.
Vaccinated Australians will be allowed to enter from April 12, 11:59pm without having to isolate upon arrival, before similar rules kick-in for international visitors from visa-waiver countries in May. This will also apply to other countries with visa-free arrangements, including the US, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Germany, Canada, and various others. Yet, this does not apply to travellers from some countries like China and India. As they need visas to visit, they will still be required to self-isolate for 10 days.
Those entering must still present a negative pre-departure test and take antigen rapid tests on arrival and on day five or six.
It remains to be seen if Singapore will set up a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) with New Zealand. We have high hopes though, since New Zealand already has a 95% double-vaccination rate for those 12 years and above. In any case, this news brings us one step closer to this incredible nation and its breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventure activities and rich culture. For a reminder of all that New Zealand has to offer, check out this beautiful (and cheeky) movie trailer-style video teasing its return to international travel.
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